Tim Henman admits at times he tired of tennis during 2005 after enduring a difficult year.

The British number one started the year ranked sixth in the world but then experienced his earliest exit from Wimbledon in a decade before being eclipsed by the rise of teenager Andy Murray and finishing at number 37.

However, the 31-year-old has taken a month's break and visited a medical centre in France and he has put last year into perspective.

He said: ''There were times in 2005 when I was sick of tennis but I looked at it in the context of over 20 years competing.

''My school holidays used to be about which tournaments I'd play in. It's human nature to get just a little bored with it and that is the first time it had happened to me.''

There had been suggestions Henman might retire but he insists he is still driven by the challenge of playing but admits 2006 will be a testing year.

''I'm realistic - 2006 may not be a bundle of laughs...

''Now is the right time to say this - 2005 was difficult to judge because I wasn't right. As for 2006 I will not judge it after one week - after Australia, Miami or Wimbledon. I'll judge it at the end of the year. That is the time for mature reflection.''